Rice fields as alternative habitats for waterbirds: ecological equivalence and mutual cost-benefits for birds and rice growers Behavioural Ecology and Conservation

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Natural wetlands are declining worldwide, while artificial wetlands, such as rice fields, are expanding. These fields serve as important habitats for waterbirds, providing areas for foraging, resting, and breeding. However, their role as alternative habitats and their conservation value remain poorly understood. Moreover, farmers often view waterbirds as pests due to potential crop damage, leading to significant human-wildlife conflicts that are rarely studied. To control waterbird populations, farmers use dissuasion techniques, but the cost-effectiveness of these methods are largely unknown.

This presentation will compare waterbird communities in rice fields with those in other wetlands to assess rice fields value as alternative habitats. It will also examine farmers' perceptions of waterbirds, dissuasion strategies, and conflict resolution methods. Finally, the cost-effectiveness of current dissuasion techniques and the relationship between waterbird abundance and rice yields will be analysed to address farmers' concerns.